Abstract

The nonresonant multiphoton ionization of the noble gases Ar, Kr, and Xe is investigated in the 10¹³–10¹⁴-W/cm² range using a short-pulse dye laser. The experiment consists of determining the actual number of ions produced in different charge states as a function of laser intensity. Multiple ionization occurs for each species with Xe⁶⁺ being the highest charge state observed. The ion yields show no evidence of direct processes contributing to the production of multiple-ionized species.

© 1987 Optical Society of America